The DeSoto Independent School District has been working with community law enforcement groups to ensure a proactive response to matters of safety and security. Part of this effort includes regular assessments of our facilities and regular facilitation of safety drills inclusive of the following:
- Evacuations
- Lockdowns
- Lockouts
- Shelter-in-Place
As DeSoto ISD continues to conduct safety drills, we ask that parents encourage students to follow all safety protocols during both drills and of course, in the event of an actual emergency.
Print the Safety Poster Graphic
In the event of a drill or an actualized emergency:
- Students should remain quiet
- Students should follow all previously-taught and practiced responses
- Students should turn off their cell phones*
- Students should refrain from calling or texting others
- Students should refrain from taking photos or filming videos*
- Students should pay strict attention to all information and directions issued
- Cell phones emit light and sounds that could draw attention or create a distraction in the event of a safety and security response.
Minutes Matter
Please reiterate that minutes matter as instructions are being given and situations change. A momentary change, a momentary lapse in attention to the delivery of fast-paced instructions and adherence to procedures can increase the level of danger for your child and others in the area.
Notifications
The DeSoto ISD will send notifications and real-time updates in the event of an emergency. Please note there may be a slight delay in distribution of messages due to the responsibility to obtain and confirm information related to such developments.
To ensure communication related to district news, information and developments, please review parent, emergency and alternative contact information for your student(s) in the Parent Portal. Please also ensure that communication settings have not been adjusted to intentionally or inadvertently block or unsubscribe from district notifications.
Please note that in the course of a lockdown, it is important for students and families to understand the following:
- Await instruction and notification from security personnel and campus and district administrators.
- Parents and families should refrain from going to a campus to avoid complicating the management of a lockdown.
- Parents and families should refrain from calling the campus during an emergency so that campus staff can focus on student safety and adherence to safety response protocols.
- Information will be disseminated by email and text message as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency or safety response activity.
- Follow any and all directives given during the facilitation of a lockdown.
See Something, Say Something
Let’s continue to work together to ensure the safety and security of all DeSoto ISD campuses by actively reporting concerns of threats to safety and security as immediately as possible.
We want to remind you that if you ever see or hear anything of concern, or that makes you or your student feel unsafe or uncomfortable, to report it to an administrator as immediately as possible or submit the information anonymously via email at [email protected], or call or text 206.406.6485.
DeSoto ISD, thanks its parents and families for working alongside the district to ensure safety remains a priority in our school community.